Freeman’s to Offer Henry Clinton’s Plan of Defence for Ireland, Early Map of Philadelphia, and More

The Treaty of Alliance and the Treaty of Amity and Commerce were ratified in Paris on February 6, 1778 by France and the newly formed United States. In the Treaty of Alliance, American independence was specified as a requirement for peace against Great Britain. In addition, any peace agreement between France and the United States had to be ratified by the treaty. Britain anticipated this economic and friendship alliance would grow, and it did, but the biggest concern was the possibility of being attacked by France, especially in Ireland, at that time an integral part of Britain. The upcoming Books and Manuscripts sale, offered by Freeman’s, will particularly highlight a copy of Plan of Defence for Ireland from Sir Henry Clinton, the British Commander-in-Chief in North America. An anticipated French attack on Ireland during the American Revolution prompted this British plan. The 58-page manuscript plan was handwritten by Clinton. There are two other copies of this manuscript, one at the National Library of Ireland and one at the British Library, though the British Library copy has different dates and titles. 

Additional lots of interest in this sale include A Plan of the City and Environs of Philadelphia. In 1777, William Faden, King George III’s royal geographer, published this map of Philadelphia in London. Watermarks are shown on the map, as are the names of landowners in rural areas. Visit Freeman’s to view the complete Books and Manuscripts catalog and to place a bid.